[Women's Day] Popular Science: Caring for "Her" Health: How Much Do You Know About Breast Cancer?

It is March, and International Women's Day is approaching. I wish all women a happy holiday and good health. When it comes to women's health, we have to mention breast cancer. Breast cancer is recognized as one of the malignant tumors that seriously threatens women's health. Today, the medical community and everyone will learn about this public enemy of women - breast cancer.

1. What breast symptoms should we be highly alert to?

(1) Breast lumps appear, which are usually single, hard, with irregular edges and a less smooth surface.

(2) Nipple discharge: Blood, serous fluid, milk, or pus may flow from the nipple during non-pregnancy.

(3) The appearance of dimples, orange peel-like changes, or skin satellite nodules on the breast skin.

(4) Abnormalities of the nipple and areola, such as nipple retraction or elevation and eczema-like changes in the areola.

(5) Enlarged axillary lymph nodes.

2. What is the starting age for women to participate in breast cancer screening?

The breasts of most Chinese women are dense glands, and the peak age of onset is 45 to 54 years old. Therefore, it is still recommended that ordinary women start at the age of 45, and women with a family history of breast cancer can consider starting early at the age of 40.

3. The main methods of breast examination are breast ultrasound and breast X-ray. Which one should I choose between breast ultrasound and X-ray examination? Is there any radiation effect from breast X-ray examination?

Mammography screening can detect carcinoma in situ, but it is difficult to penetrate dense glands, so ultrasound screening is recommended for women under 40 years old. Women aged 40 to 44 are recommended to undergo ultrasound first, and if positive, mammography. Women over 45 are recommended to undergo mammography combined with ultrasound. In addition, although mammography is a form of X-ray radiation, the dose on the breast is small, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

4. I have seen some organizations propose to prevent cancer through breast massage and breast "detoxification". Is this reliable?

The breast is not a metabolic organ of the body, so the possibility of it metabolizing ("detoxifying") is very small, especially during the non-lactating period. There is no clinical scientific evidence to prove that breast massage or some simple operations can reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, some patients were found to have breast lumps by the masseur during the massage, and then went to the hospital for treatment and breast cancer was checked. In fact, many times, breast lumps can be felt by oneself, so everyone is encouraged to do regular breast self-examination according to the correct method.

5. Is there any way to self-check for breast cancer?

Yes, "one look and two touches". ① Look: observe the appearance of the breasts, compare whether the two sides are symmetrical, whether the skin is sunken, whether the color is abnormal, whether there are changes such as orange peel, etc. ② Touch: stand up, put your fingers together and touch flatly, in the order of upper outside, lower outside, lower inside, upper inside, and underarm, carefully and comprehensively check for lumps, touch the axilla and supraclavicular fossa for enlarged lymph nodes; then press the areola to see if there is any fluid discharged.

The best time to do a self-examination is 9 to 11 days after the onset of menstruation, when estrogen has less effect on the breast and the breast is in a relatively static state, making it easier to detect lesions. Women over 40 are advised to do a self-examination of their breasts once a month, and women with high-risk factors can start self-examination earlier. However, even if there are no problems with the self-examination, it is recommended to go to a regular medical institution for a regular physical examination to avoid missed diagnosis.

6. How to prevent breast cancer in daily life?

First, to prevent breast cancer, you need to change your bad living habits, eat more vegetables and fish, eat less barbecue and drink less, and smoking is even more undesirable. At the same time, exercise regularly and reduce body fat. You should also consider giving birth at the right time and breastfeeding your baby. Secondly, when you reach a certain age, you should learn to do breast self-examination and go to professional institutions for screening and physical examinations regularly.

7. During the physical examination, the breast ultrasound report showed breast hyperplasia. Will this disease turn into cancer?

Breast hyperplasia does not directly lead to breast cancer, so don't be too nervous when you hear the diagnosis of "breast hyperplasia". Breast hyperplasia is a common symptom related to cyclical changes in hormone levels, and most breast hyperplasias will remain benign. But some hyperplasias, such as atypical breast hyperplasia, may be a precancerous lesion. This condition accounts for only 1% or less of breast cancer. Of course, women without breast hyperplasia also need to have regular breast examinations to avoid delaying the early detection of real cancer.

Finally, I hope that our female compatriots, while paying attention to their careers and caring for their families, can also love themselves more, pay more attention to their own health, and use a healthy body to pursue a better life.